Scientific Name: Pellaea calidirupium

Common Name: hotrock fern

Family Classification (Clade): Pteridophytes

Family: Adiantaceae

Threatened Species Status: Rare

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Terrestrial species with creeping rhizome densely clothed with dark scales. Stipes persistent.

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonCentral HighlandsDerwent ValleyGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyKentishMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSouthern Midlands
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

A species from inland rocky areas of low to moderate rainfall. Will withstand dry and sunny conditions. Best planted amongst rocks where a good balance can be achieved between soil moisture and drainage.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Rocky

Soil Tolerance

Well-drained

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Specialist Method

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Spores found in sori which are elongated, protected when young by the reflexed margin of the pinnae. Collect spores when mature on the frond. Unripe sori are generally light green then change to yellowish-brown and to dark brown or black when mature. Place fronds, or portions of fronds, containing ripe spores in a paper bag and leave in a dry and draught-free place. Spores should begin to release immediately and all spores are released within days unless the species has tough, leathery fronds. Some species produce large quantities of spores from one frond, others require many fronds to produce similar quantities.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

Use a moisture-retaining medium and a pot that allows drainage. Sterilise medium and container with boiling water. Sow spores by sprinkling a small amount onto the surface of the medium. Cover immediately with clean glass or plastic wrap. Leave in a warm area in strong, but not direct, sunlight. Specks of green appear after 2-4 weeks. These are the young prothalli. During the next 6-12 months they are at risk from overcrowding and pathogens. When the first fronds appear the sporelings can be slowly hardened by gradual removal of the container cover. Take care to avoid drying out. Prick out sporelings when the second frond appears.

Cutting & Division Information

May be propagated by division of clumps.